Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

The survey revealed that the disease incidence varied significantly across districts, with the highest incidence recorded in Runiyadih at 79.3% and the lowest in Bagtarai at 45.61%. The Plant Disease Index (PDI) ranged from 25.14% in Achoti (Dhamtari), to 87.47% in Parsada, (Raigarh). Severe infections led to significant reductions in grain and tiller numbers, as well as individual grain weight and quality, resulting in yield losses ranging from 30% to 43%. In contrast, moderately infected crops experienced lower losses of 12%, and lower disease grades showed non-significant losses. The overall yield decline fluctuated between 18.75% and 22.50%.Factors influencing disease severity include limited access to nitrogen-based fertilizers, water supply, and climatic conditions, with rainfall and high humidity favoring disease development. Climate change and initial conducive conditions further exacerbate the disease's spread. The study emphasizes the need for farmers to adopt resistant rice cultivars and calls for further research to better understand the various factors affecting disease incidence and intensity in different agro climatic zones. This research aims to assist farmers in minimizing losses due to brown spot disease and improving rice production levels in Chhattisgarh.